Entries by Lizzie Robinson

Budget 2026

The main changes explained. This Budget brings another rise in minimum wages, higher tax on savings and rent and some help with mileage and energy costs. Here are the main points for businesses and households: Our view In our opinion, employers are again being asked to carry a heavy burden. After several years of increasing […]

Proudly Supporting Ipswich and the Surrounding Communities

At An Accounting Gem, we believe that accounting is about people first and numbers second. We’re proud to be a local team serving Ipswich and the surrounding areas, helping businesses, individuals, landlords and families navigate their finances with confidence. Every day we have the privilege of working with people from all walks of life and […]

From Vision Day to Momentum: The First 4 Weeks

A Vision Day can create a remarkable amount of clarity in a short period of time. Owners often leave with a clearer picture of where they want the business to go, what needs to change and how the business should support their personal goals. Decisions that have been delayed for months suddenly become obvious. Priorities […]

Vision Day vs Business Coaching

One question we hear quite often is whether a Vision Day is simply another form of business coaching. It is a reasonable question because coaching means different things to different people. Some owners have worked with coaches for years. Others have had a poor experience and are understandably cautious about investing in another programme that […]

When to bring in tax planning (and why timing matters)

Tax planning can be hugely valuable, but only when it happens in the right order. Many business owners treat tax planning as something that happens because their accountant mentions it, because a deadline is approaching or because cash feels tight and they are looking for a quick solution. That often leads to reactive decisions. They […]

What to do when you have outgrown your business model

There is a stage many owner-managed businesses reach where the old way of operating starts to crack. The business may still be busy, profitable enough and well regarded by clients, but behind the scenes it feels more fragile than it used to. You might notice that too much still depends on you. Quality feels harder […]

When to Say No: A Decision Framework for Business Owners

One of the hardest parts of running a small business is that opportunity never stops. Clients ask for more. Suppliers offer deals. You see new ideas online. Your team brings problems that feel urgent. Before long, your diary is full but not always with the right things.  Saying yes can feel like progress. In reality, […]

Cash Flow and Planning

Profit vs cash: the gap that breaks good plans Your numbers look fine, but something still feels tight. You’re not imagining it and you’re far from alone. Understanding the difference between profit and cash is one of the most useful things a business owner can do. One of the most common reasons a solid business […]